Surname Rehpenig - Meaning and Origin

Rehpenig: What does the surname Rehpenig mean?

The last name Rehpenig is of Germanic origin, and its literal translation is "raven-biting". While the exact origin of the name is unknown, it may have originally been used as a descriptive nickname for someone with a particularly voracious appetite. It is also possible that it was used to denote someone with a raven-like complexion, or someone particularly fond of ravens. Over time, it became a surname, and is still typically found in German-speaking countries today.

In some parts of Europe, the last name Rehpenig is also seen as a variation of the name Rehpenning, which is derived from the Germanic word raphinning. In this context, raphinning literally translates to “raven's payment”, and may have originally been used to refer to disposed or rejected goods that were scavenged by ravens.

It is also possible that the name Rehpenig has Jewish roots. During the Spanish Inquisition, many Jews were forced to convert to Catholicism and had their family names changed to something that sounded “Christian”, such as Rehpenig. The name may also have come from the Hebrew name Peniah, which means "raven's wing".

Regardless of its origin, the name Rehpenig stands out as a unique and interesting surname that has been carried down through many generations.

Rehpenig: Where does the name Rehpenig come from?

The last name Rehpenig is most commonly found in Bavaria, Germany today. The name originates from the Lower Bavarian region of Bavaria in the River Isar area near Munich. The first record of the name Rehpenig was found in the church book of the monastery in the Bavarian-Austrian border city of Lindau, written in 1680. It is believed that the name was once derived from a German word referring to someone who slept in a hovel, or that it was derived from a local place name.

The name is shared by many today in Bavaria, as well as in other parts of Germany, particularly in the southern state of Baden-Württemberg. It is also found in several other countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. According to a 2016 survey, the name Rehpenig was the 4,796th most common surname in the US. In Germany, it was the 472nd most popular surname in 2018.

The surname Rehpenig still remains quite common in Germany, Bavaria, and to a certain extent, around the world. With its German roots and Bavarian origin, it carries with it the honour of a longstanding family tradition.

Variations of the surname Rehpenig

Rehpenig is a German surname and its variants include ReimCheney, Reimpen, Reimpenigh, Rehpenec, Rehpenek, Rehpening, Rehpenings, ReimPanig, ReimPening, Reimpennig, Reimpenny, Rehpenekh, Rehpenig, Rehpenick, Rehpenigk, Rehpenig, Reimpenig, Reimpenick, Rehpnenigk, Rehpenickh, Rehpepening and Rehpeningg.

Most of these variants are utilized interchangeably. It is believed that some of the spellings were adopted by people who immigrated to America during the 18th and 19th centuries as a way of making it easier to pronounce and spell their name in their new country.

The original spelling of the surname is Rehpenig and it has been described as “strange and unique”. It is believed to have come from the young high German “repanen” meaning 'to disperse or sprinkle'. It is thought that the surname may have been applied to someone who was a farm labourer or grain store keeper. It is also possible that the name was derived from a place name such as Rehpenigk, a place in northern Germany, which was a small village near Lübeck in the 16th century.

The surname is mainly confined to Germany and North America, there is some evidence that it may also have spread to other parts of Europe and the UK. It is believed that the last name was changed to Rehimpenig or Rehinpenig when a certain branch of the family migrated to the United States.

Rehpenig is a unique surname with its unique variants which are used interchangeably. As the original spelling of the surname is Rehpenig, this is the version mainly used by individuals tracing their roots to the settlers who migrated to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Famous people with the name Rehpenig

• Victoria Rehpenig: international model, entrepreneur, and television personality.
• Todd Rehpenig: American professional track cyclist.
• Richard Rehpenig: former football coach at Overland High School in Colorado.
• Paul Rehpenig: Former President of the North American Man/Boy Love Association.
• David Rehpenig: Navy turret captain with the Medal of Honor.
• Sean Rehpenig: writer and creative director for American graphic design firm.
• Christian Rehpenig: lead guitarist and vocalist of German indie rock band, THE TIGER CHAPS.
• JB Rehpenig: drummer of the music project "l;earn";.
• Jack Rehpenig: television actor from "Animal Hospital".
• Jesse Rehpenig: son of Vanessa Rehpenig, an actress and singer.
• Wess Rehpenig: independent comedian and producer.
• Mark Rehpenig: director and producer of several award-winning short films.
• Manfred Rehpenig: senior executive producer for interactive media.
• Bob Rehpenig: retired emergency medical technician (EMT).
• Patrick Rehpenig:Renowned French chef and restaurateur.
• Ed Rehpenig: former Los Angeles Times journalist and author.
• Michael Rehpenig: international fashion photographer.
• Sofia Rehpenig: fashion and lifestyle blogger.
• Mark Rehpenig: professional photographer and photojournalist.
• Thomas Rehpenig: Grammy Award-winning music producer for rock, jazz and classical genres.

Other surnames

RehpennRehpenning